What is

Partial Outlines

Partial outlines are an active learning exercise where instructors distribute a partially completed outline of a specific lecture and ask students to complete the gaps. Students work on filling in the outline during class, as information becomes available. The gaps should highlight important information where instructors want to draw students’ attention. 

Partial outlines refer to an in-class activity where students work to fill in blanks left in lecture notes that are distributed by instructors before class starts. Instructors provide students with time during lectures to reflect on and apply ideas that were just presented. This method leads to better understanding, higher exam scores and more student engagement during class time.